Abu Dhabi-based Institute for Vocational Development (IVD) has partnered with the logistics department of Berlin Technical University (TU Berlin), a renowned university in Germany, to launch its logistics training programme.

The IVD, a member of Abu Dhabi University Knowledge Group (ADUKG), provides a comprehensive range of vocational training programmes for individuals and organisations in the UAE and the GCC region through its international accreditation partners.

An inaugural two-day programme beginning on March 17 will provide research-based and comprehensive insights into logistics’ basics functions and key sub-areas, said an ADUKG statement.

Entitled 'Basic Principles, Organizational Concepts, Trends & Strategies in Logistics,' the course also focuses on dynamic effects in value-added chains, importance of integrated co-operation in the process chain and strategies and tools for meeting customer requirements.

'As global trade increases, the demand in Abu Dhabi and Dubai for transport and logistics services is set to further boost opportunities to companies involved in this sector,' said Richard Firth, director of IVD.

According to the International Logistics Performance Index’s cross-country comparison, the UAE is the Middle East’s highest ranking country in terms of performance within the logistics and supply chain industry, marking 3.63 per cent growth in 2009.

'The programme is critical for equipping industry professionals with the skills to meet significant developments in the world of logistics and supply chain. A good understanding of this dynamic and growing sector is important for decision makers across a range of industries in the UAE,' he pointed out.

To meet increasing demand, ADUKG has introduced a series of programmes to equip logistics professionals and specialists as the UAE continues to grow into a logistics hub, with almost $26 billion of projects in hand.

“With the wide range of practical examples and interactive methods we are offering, participants will become familiarised with the creative and organisational options for efficient and holistic logistics management as well as placing the corresponding concepts into practice,” Firth added.

The programme will be facilitated by internationally recognised transport and logistics experts headed by Prof Dr -Ing Frank Straube, managing director, TU Berlin chair of Logistics; Dr Philippe Tufinkgi, managing director, International Transfer Center for Logistics (ITCL); Dr Stefan Doch, Doctoral Research Associate, ITCL; and Balkan Centikaya, Doctoral Research Associate, ITCL.

These experts will tackle key issues including trends and strategies, goals and key indicators, procurement and supply chain management.

Dr Tufinkgi commented that the vision of the long-term partnership was to expand the international knowledge exchange aligned between Germany and the UAE. 'The collaboration strategy builds on this vision and is a holistic collaboration approach with three pillars – Education, Applied Research, and Projects.'

'This approach aims to transfer and bundle knowledge for the intelligent management of logistics and transport in the light of growing transport flows between Europe, the Middle East and Africa,' he added.-TradeArabia News Service